According to various global market consultants providing insights into the international trends - The flat glass market in East Africa will exceed USD 235 million by 2024. Driven by the rapid growth in middle-class population the demand for infrastructure upgradation and energy & power in Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania is increasing. Widespread urbanization, population rise and economic liberalization in countries like Tanzania and Kenya is creating growth opportunities for the East African flat glass market share in glass railings, floorings, aquariums, and security glazing for shatterproof property, glare reduction, improved privacy and clarity.

Similarly in Uganda, the flat glass market demand from automotive applications is expected to grow at over 3.5% by 2024. Superior properties such as breakage into tiny fragments thus reducing the injury risks to passengers, rising requirements for heat-insulating glass in vehicles act as stimulants driving the product demand. Additionally, these products provide superior properties such as absorbing infrared rays from sunlight, thus reducing the amount of heat in the vehicle and shielding interior trims from ultraviolet radiation, which increases comfort. These products also prevent exposure from harmful UV rays which are capable of serious skin problems.

The flat glass market in Kenya is also expected to gain at over 5% by the end of projected timeframe on owing to the rising number of public construction projects driven by government spending apart from residential and mixed-use development projects driven by population rise. Increase in modernization factors along with rising consumer demand for stylish interiors are positively affecting the flat glass demand in the country. Residential product applications include windows, internal partitions, doors and mirrors primarily owing to higher strength, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal and improved privacy.

Silica sand, sodium oxide, calcium oxide, dolomite and feldspar are the major ingredients required in the manufacturing process. The non-availability of locally produced quality products has increased the dependency on product import especially from the Middle East. Technological limitations is also a key driver for the increase in imports in the East African flat glass market making it a profitable option for international companies to invest in creating sound distribution channels and create a strong network.

In Tanzania, flat tempered glass market size may expect over 12-kilo tons consumption rate by the end of the period of forecast. Increased demand in the automotive sector owing to improved trade, foreign investment, low duties and rising re-exports are factors to boost the flat glass market size in the region. Vehicle sales in the country were nearly 5,500 units in 2016, driven by improved cash availability, rising disposable income and convenient loan facilities indicating ample growth potential for the market.

The Rwandan basic float glass market demand is expected to witness an estimated growth at approximately 4.2% till 2024, which is primarily driven by increasing demand for windows from domestic housing sector, and glazed exterior surfaces in commercial buildings. The product allows high degree of light transmission, production in different colors, opacities, and chemical resistance which is expected to boost the flat glass industry demand. The automotive segment could increase significantly on account of growth in tinted, solar control, and privacy glazing glass demand.